Director - Grounds

Job description

Join Utah Valley University in a leadership role that helps shape and maintain the campus environment that supports learning, recreation, and community engagement. As the Director of Grounds, you will oversee the stewardship of the university's landscapes, athletic fields, urban forestry, irrigation systems, and snow removal operations across all university-owned properties. This position offers the opportunity to make a visible and lasting impact on the campus experience while leading complex operations that contribute to the university's daily success.

The successful candidate will lead a skilled team, manage strategic planning and landscape improvement projects, and guide the allocation of personnel, equipment, and resources to support departmental goals. This role is ideal for a collaborative leader who enjoys balancing long-term planning with hands‑on operational management, developing employees, and ensuring the university's outdoor spaces remain safe, functional, and welcoming year‑round. UVU offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic higher education environment where innovation, service, and professional growth are valued.

Directs and manages annual budgets for the organization and performs periodic cost and productivity analysis. Advises the University administration on the funding needs to adequately maintain the campus grounds.

Designs, establishes, and maintains staffing and an organizational structure to effectively accomplish the department function; recruits, employs, supervises, and evaluates departmental staff; directs the implementation of management development, skills training, and safety and labor relations programs.

Oversees the overall operations of the Grounds Department. Provides leadership and direction in all aspects of administering grounds management, including landscape design, plant selection, equipment justifications, maintenance of existing equipment, strategic planning, and customer‑focused programs.

Establishes and implements short- and long-range organizational goals, objectives, strategic plans, policies, and operating procedures; monitors and evaluates programmatic and operational effectiveness, and effects changes required for improvement.

Attends meetings representing the Grounds department both on and off campus.

Performs miscellaneous job‑related duties as assigned.

Graduation from an accredited institution with a bachelor's degree in a related discipline plus three years of progressive management‑level experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience related to the Summary of Duties totaling seven years.

For Example:

Bachelor's degree in a related field and 3 years of progressive management‑level experience.

OR an associate degree in a related field and 5 years of progressive management‑level experience.

OR one year of college coursework (approximately 30 credit hours) in a related field and 6 years of progressive management‑level experience.

OR two years of college coursework (approximately 60 credit hours) in a related field and 5 years of progressive management‑level experience.

OR three years of college coursework (approximately 90 credit hours) in a related field and 4 years of progressive management‑level experience.

OR a high school diploma or GED and 7 years of progressive management‑level experience.

Licenses/Certifications:

Certified Grounds Manager or ability to achieve certification within 1 year of employment.

Knowledge

Knowledge of record‑keeping procedures.

Knowledge of how to create tables, charts, and graphs that interpret and explain needs.

Knowledge of principles, methods, and techniques of effective supervision.

Knowledge of mechanical operations and methods of repairing equipment.

Knowledge of grounds maintenance, horticulture standards, plant life, and landscape design.

Knowledge of insects and pests that can damage landscaping.

Knowledge of in‑service training and staff development techniques.

Knowledge of reading blueprints and working with design professionals

Knowledge of effective public relations techniques.

Knowledge of effective methods of resolving immediate critical situations.

Knowledge of sustainable practices in groundskeeping and grounds maintenance

Skills

Skills in computer software related to the position. Excel, PowerPoint, databases, Word.

Skill in managing a large team of employees

Skills in effective problem‑solving, decision‑making, and interpersonal communication.

Skill in using tools needed to communicate the needs of the department.

Skilled in public speaking.

Abilities

Ability to give clear written and verbal instructions.

Ability to build teams and foster collaboration.

Ability to apply general principles effectively to specific conditions.

Ability to direct the work of other professionals to accomplish the goals of the University.

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Worksite address

orem, UT, 84058, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.